My car stopped being able to shift. I pulled over and lost the ability to reverse as well. The mechanic confirmed it was my transmission, and recommended I take it to the dealership b/c chevy consistently has problems with transmissions and there was a "special coverage adjustment". My particular VIN did not qualify to be repaired by chevy/gm although it was the exact same issues that the "special coverage" paperwork described. Do not buy a chevy or gm vehicle. They refuse to own up to any issues with their parts. Their poor quality standards don't stop at the assembly line, they go right on through to customer service as well.
2009 Chevrolet Malibu transmission complaints
Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 121, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate on several occasions while driving at various speeds. In addition, the contact stated that the power steering, the door locks, windows and rear tail gate failed. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000. Ma 10/23/15
When driving the power steering went out. This has happened 4 times in the past year.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. While attempting to shift into the park position, the gear indicator light would only display reverse and the vehicle would only operate in reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Driving in traffic, vehicle suddenly lost power and I had to pull out of traffic, nearly causing an accident. Engine revved, rpms were high. Shut car off, restarted and car would not get out of second gear. I had the car towed to a chevrolet dealer, who told me my transmission failed due to a wave plate issue. Although 6t70 transmission warranty was extended to some 6 speed 2009 malibu's, I was told mine was not, even though the problem is known to exist in all gm 6 speed transmissions. This transmission is a definite safety hazard and the 10 year 120k mile extended warranty should be offered to every automobile with this transmission....updated 09/22/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the gear shift failed to switch into the park position. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the shifter cable kit and bracket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v224000 (power train). The failure mileage was 130,000.
While driving power steering went out. 2014 april 26. Same thing happened a year later the exact date 2015.
Vehicle suddenly starting jerking while driving on main road barely made it home unable to put car in reverse had car towed to dealer wave plate disintegrated and had to have transmission rebuilt. General motors has issued a special service coverage for certain vehicles with this problem mine is not included and being that this is a known problem they really should include all vehicles affected by this known issue.
While driving on city street going maybe 35 MPH my 3year old who was strapped into his car seat in the backseat began to choke. I immediately pulled over and got out to go to his aid but I couldn't unlock the back door. I panicked and had to try to climb through the small space from the front seat to the back but could not quickly get my choking child out of the car. Later that day I checked the door locks after calming down and I am not able to lock or unlock the doors.I noticed clicking noises but never paid any attention to it as it was not a concern until I could not free my chocking child from the back seat.I just purchased the car used last month. After review the locks on this car is a know'n common problem that is a safety concern . My helpless child was locked in.
I could not shift car into park. I could not turn the key to off. Car was stuck in drive. Had to call a towing service to pick up. The nearest auto shop had to put in park, and fix the shift cable. We were out of 165.00 dollars, plus rental fees cost of 85.00 dollars. They kept our car for five days.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. While driving 50 MPH, the traction control warning light illuminated and the vehicle independently decreased in speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
I was picking my little brother up from school I was at the light and the car started to shake violently and engine reduced power light came on is does this on and off and this is not safe for any driver.
We reported last year to gm that we were without power steering, instead of fixing our car the argued with us that there hasn't been a recall on the power steering. Now we are having problems with the tracking. And the transmission has been slipping since last summer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated as the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the gear shift failed to switch into the drive position. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.
Wave plate failure of transmission resulted in sudden loss of 5th gear and loss of speed at highway speeds. This resulted in a near collision at interstate speeds. Also, while attempting to turn around and get the vehicle to a safe stopping point off the interstate the vehicle lost reverse resulting in a second near t-bone collision due to having to push the vehicle out of the roadway. The vehicle was repaired in 12/2013 at the dealership under warranty a second wave plate failure resulting in loss of transmission occurred in 11/2014.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift into gear and excessive force was required to depress the accelerator pedal. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,800. Updated 1/7/15*cn the consumer stated while driving, the vehicle would stick in gear decelerate without apply the brake. Updated 03/03/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the power steering failed and the vehicle stalled. The contact indicated that the steering wheel had become tight and extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road where the vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The technician diagnosed that the steering column and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who replaced the steering column. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not included in recall the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,590. Updated 12/22/14*lj updated 9/28/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that when the vehicle was put into park and turned off, the vehicle would continue to roll and failed to restart. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in recall the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v460000 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
I was trying to accelerate to go onto the high way and my car would not go, there was a truck behind be and he just missed me and my family. Took the car to rodgers chevrolet and they said that the transmission needed to be replaced. I remember complaining about my car not wanting to accelerate before I think it was to gordon chevrolet. I had to dish out $2,500 that I did not have, I also had to replace my tie rod, I think gm should have stood by their product and replaced this under warranty. This is my second complaint with you about this vehicle, I have had my front end worked on by gordon chevrolet countless times.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle speed suddenly decelerated and the vehicle would not shift into gear. The vehicle was restarted and the vehicle would not accelerate over 20 MPH or operate in reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the clutch wave plate ruptured and caused the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,016.
I had pulled into a parking lot and was waiting for customer to close their car door when my car would not move. The car was in drive and it felt like it was out if gear. It grabbed and I was able to pull in. When I was ready to leave the store I had gotten onto the highway and around 25mph the car did not want to shift into 2nd gear, I was also having trouble going into reverse. I decided to take my car home and I was unsure what was wrong with it. I took it to the dealership the next day where they ran a test on it. I was told the wave plate was broke in my transmission. Wow an 2009 with transmission problems. I was told the wave plate that was used for the malibu's were bad. They really should have a recall for the malibu's that are having transmission problems due to poor design using that style of wave plate.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated when the acce;erator pedal was engaged and the engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnose that the input speed sensor and transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000 and the current mileage was unknown.
Ongoing issue that dealership cannot diagnose or repair -- transmission will slip out of gear, resulting in a loss of power; car behaves as if it is in neutral. If pressure is removed from accelerator, transmission will re-engage. Since incident is intermittent and unpredictable, dealer has not been able to replicate. I have asked them multiple times if other 2009 malibu have the same problem and have been told no. Given recent events I am skeptical now of that answer. Because power to the vehicle is lost, this can be very dangerous and I would like to know if other gms with the six-speed transmission (new on the 2009 model, I believe) are experiencing this problem.
Power steering train, I personally purchase new last one, end of the year vehicle on the available list.
My service engine light has been on continuously because of my ignition switch is malfunctioning; at times it locks up disallowing me to be able to start my car or remove my keys. I have had issues with the camshaft actuators and has since been replaced on the engine; but this car is still malfunctioning. Also, my low beam headlight will not come on, on the passengers side of my vehicle after the bulb has been replaced. All of gm cars made between 2008-2012, needs to be recalled for these issues not just some but all!
I own a 2009 chevy malibu and vehicle was taken to a chevy service center for fuel smell on the exterior of vehicle on 09-2013. Chevy service center found cause fuel pump module cracked and replaced faulty part at no charge and stated that it was covered under power train warranty. The federal safety agency/gm recalled 40,000. 2007-2009 chevy colbalts and other twin vehicles in 09-2012 for faulty fuel pump modules that crack and cause fuel leaks that has a potential of igniting a fire. I'm here to file a complaint against gm and make the public aware of other vehicles in the gm family that are not listed in the recall and advising the federal safety agency to further investigate 2007-2009 chevy malibu.
Within a one year period, had to have all 4 wheel bearings replaced, a strut, and the front sway bar linkage. 2009 malibu ltz, 3.6 l v6 with approx. 32,000 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while traveling 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration power. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder where it was shut down and restarted but to no avail. The contact also stated that the vehicle rolled away while in park. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 09v073000 (power train). The failure mileage was 100,000.
I purchased a used 2009 chevrolet malibu in 2011. On february 21, 2013, I took my car to ourisman chevrolet in marlow heights, md due to a recall notice related to the transmission. My invoice says they repaired the cable kit. On july 29, 2013 I pulled into a service station for gas in north carolina. All pumps were taken. I waited. A car pulled out so I put my car in reverse to back up in order to get to the pump. When I tried to put the car in drive, the gear shift would move, however, the car remained stuck in reverse. I had to back up to the side of the gas station to move out of the way. I put the emergency brake on because the car would not go into park. I turned off the ignition, then tried to restart it. The car would not start because is was not in park. I called my brother for help. He noticed the shift cable had come apart. He used a twist tie, a washer, and a rubber cap that he found in his vehicle to repair the shift cable so that I could hopefully make it back home. It worked.the next day I made an appointment (07/31/13) to take the car back to ourisman to fix the cable. That invoice states that I need a shifter cable. According to ourisman, this part is not covered under the initial recall. The shift cable adjustment clip broke off somehow. The cable is still intact. That's why my brother was able to fix it enough to get me back home. I was told by the customer service technician that the part broke due to normal wear and tear. In the past, I've owned a chevrolet cavalier for 12 years, and a chevrolet beretta for 8 years. Neither car had this problem of "normal wear and tear". It's a defect. The 2/21/13 invoice says replaced cable kit. The 7/31/13 invoice says "needs shifter cable". The bottom line is the shift cable adjustment clip broke off the shifter cable. Why is this not covered under the recall? It's a piece of the same part.
Bought vehicle new 01/09, 3 mon. Later received letter from gm citing recall for transmission shift cable, took vehicle to dealer and they replaced. Recall id # 78844 - power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift no problems with vehicle until 12/12 driving on interstate at approx. 50 MPH vehicle began to shift hard/erratic with RPM gage going to 6-7 before vehicle would shift/accelerate, check engine, ABS, check tire pressure lights all came on. Called onstar was told there nothing indicated on diagnostics report and to contact gm. Contacted gm was told there was another recall on my vehicle for recall id # 94402 - power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl). Took vehicle to dealer, dealer said they could not replicate problem I was having and would not have parts until late jan. To fix recall if that was in fact the issue. Told by dealer that erratic shifting is a normal problem with those vehicles. On 4/2/13 car will not go in park completely and ignition will not turn to "off" position, cannot remove key from ignition. Contacted gm was told there were no active recalls on my vehicle because original recall from 2009 fixed the shift cable and replacement part was only covered by gm for 12 months. Gm said second recall was not attached to VIN# and therefore my vehicle was not affected although gm rep and dealer verified it was in nov 2012. Gm said to take to dealer and get diagnostic report and they would go from there but issue would probably not be covered if it has something to do with shift cable because warranty of 12 mon. On replacement parts has expired. If gm knows there is a continuous problem with this make/model and this component then it should be covered regardless. How many times should you have to take vehicle in for same set of issues. If gm does not own this problem I will never buy a gm vehicle again!
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